Arsenal now make move for £63m “better version of Haaland”

Arsenal have now made contact over a summer move for a £63m striker who’s been described as a “better version” of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, according to a report.

Gunners stepping up striker pursuit

As we approach the business end of the Premier League season, it seems very unlikely the Gunners will be able to mount a title challenge, with Liverpool still 12 points clear at the top.

With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines, Mikel Arteta has been forced to use Mikel Merino at striker, and the Spaniard has put in some good performances, most recently scoring in the 1-0 victory over Chelsea.

However, it is clear bringing in an out-and-out centre-forward is one of Arteta’s priorities for the summer transfer window, and the manager is now stepping up his pursuit of some top strikers, having now entered talks over a deal for Lille’s Jonathan David.

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The same report mentions RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko as a potential option, having already done a lot of the groundwork to sign the Slovenianwhile Arteta is also a huge admirer of Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.

It is unclear how attainable Isak will be, however, given his importance to the Magpies, and a report from Portugal has now revealed Arsenal have identified Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres as an alternative target (via Sport Witness).

The Gunners are said to be preparing a ‘decisive raid’ for Gyokeres, having now made contact to request a formal meeting with his agent over a potential deal, which is expected to amount to around €75m (£63m).

The striker’s agent, Hasan Çetinkaya, is a friend of Arteta, which could give the north Londoners the edge in negotiations, amid interest from Manchester United.

Gyokeres on fire in Portugal

The Stockholm-born striker has been in simply sensational form for Sporting CP this season, having already reached the 40-goal mark in all competitions, while also providing 10 assists.

Such is the Sporting star’s ability, former Tottenham Hotspur man Rafael van der Vaart has stated he is better than last season’s top goalscorer in the Premier League.

Of course, it would be extremely difficult for the 26-year-old to replicate his current numbers in England, but he is clearly a natural goalscorer, which could be exactly what Arsenal need to bridge the gap to Liverpool next season.

£63m seems like a fair price for Gyokeres, given his record in front of goal this season, and it is promising news that Arteta’s relationship with his agent could help the Gunners win the race for his signature.